Caroline Bull is the new chief executive of Oxford City Council.
She replaces Marion Headicar, who moved to Portsmouth City Council after three years at the town hall.
Ms Bull comes to Oxford from Exeter, where she has been director of enterprise and innovation for the South West of England Regional Development Agency since 1999.
Before that, she was based in Reading as managing director of Business Link Thames Valley and commercial director of the Training and Enterprise Council, Thames Valley Enterprise from 1993.
Ms Bull said: "Oxford is such a vibrant place. People throughout the world are aware of its wonderful heritage and academic excellence but it's the creativity, innovation and diversity of its communities that provide the potential for it to be a truly leading-edge international city.
"Oxford City Council has a critical part to play in establishing that world-class reputation and all the councillors and staff that I've met so far are totally committed to providing high-performing services and excellent customer care."
City council leader Alex Hollingsworth said: "Caroline is an excellent appointment and I very much look forward to working with her."
Ms Bull will join the council full-time from July 1.
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